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Configure solarYour Air Conditioner Is Eating
A Big Share of Your Electricity Bill.
Solar Can Fix That.
Malaysia's tropical heat means air conditioning runs year-round. Learn exactly how many solar panels you need, estimated savings for typical Malaysian households, and the RM-and-sense decision between upgrading your AC or going solar first.
How Much Electricity Does Your AC Really Use?
Air conditioning is the single biggest electricity cost for Malaysian homes — often a large share of the bill. In a tropical country with year-round heat and humidity, this isn’t surprising. What is surprising is how much variation there is between AC types.
| HP | Type | Avg Wattage | 6 hrs/day (kWh/mo) | 8 hrs/day (kWh/mo) | 10 hrs/day (kWh/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 HP | Inverter | 700W | 126 | 168 | 210 |
| 1 HP | Non-Inverter | 1000W | 180 | 240 | 300 |
| 1.5 HP | Inverter | 1050W | 189 | 252 | 315 |
| 1.5 HP | Non-Inverter | 1400W | 252 | 336 | 420 |
| 2 HP | Inverter | 1500W | 270 | 360 | 450 |
| 2 HP | Non-Inverter | 2000W | 360 | 480 | 600 |
Calculate Your AC Electricity Cost
Select your AC setup to see monthly cost and solar recommendation.
* Savings estimate assumes Solar ATAP grid-tied system. Actual savings vary with shading, consumption patterns, and export credits.
Solar + AC: The Perfect Match
Here’s the beautiful coincidence that makes solar ideal for Malaysian AC users: peak solar generation (10am–3pm) overlaps with much of your daytime AC demand. When the sun is hottest and your AC works hardest, your solar panels are producing the most electricity.
Solar Generation vs AC Demand (Typical Malaysian Day)
How Solar ATAP Works for AC Users
Under Malaysia’s Solar ATAP (Solar Accelerated Transition Action Programme) scheme, you use your own solar power first. Every unit of solar energy consumed by your AC saves you exactly what you would have paid TNB — at the import rate of RM0.4443/kWh (RP4). Excess solar exports to the grid earn credits at a lower rate. Self-consumption is king.
How Many Solar Panels to Power Your ACs
Use this quick-reference table to size your solar system based on AC load. These figures assume Malaysian conditions: 3.5 peak sun hours/day (Trexon planning basis), standard TNB grid-tied system under Solar ATAP.
| AC Scenario | Total AC Load | Solar System | Panels (Trexon package) | Nearest Trexon Package | Monthly Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 AC (1.5HP Inverter) | 1.05 kW | 2 kW | 9 panels | 5.58 kWp — RM 15,999 (smallest package) | RM 140 |
| 2 ACs (1.5HP Inverter) | 2.1 kW | 3 kW | 9 panels | 5.58 kWp — RM 15,999 | RM 140 |
| 3 ACs (1.5HP Inverter) | 3.15 kW | 5 kW | 9 panels | 5.58 kWp — RM 15,999 | RM 140 |
| 4 ACs (mix 1HP + 1.5HP)Recommended | 4.2 kW | 6 kW | 10 panels | 6.20 kWp — RM 16,999 | RM 180 |
| 6 ACs (all 1.5HP) | 6.3 kW | 10 kW | 16 panels | 9.92 kWp — RM 23,999 | RM 370 |
* Assumes 3.5 peak sun hours/day (Trexon planning basis), Solar ATAP grid-tied, inverter ACs at average efficiency. Package prices are Trexon catalogue prices (Solis), including installation and the Solar ATAP application.
Solar Panels vs Inverter AC: Which Should You Buy First?
This is the most common question we get. The honest answer depends entirely on your current bill. Here’s a simple decision framework:
Decision Matrix
Your bill is moderate. Switching 3-4 non-inverter ACs to inverter models saves 30-50% at RM800-1,500 per unit. Payback: 2-3 years. Solar ROI is weaker at lower bill levels.
At this level, solar pays back in about 8-12 years on our RP4 estimate. If you already have inverter ACs, go solar. If ACs are old non-inverters, upgrade those first then plan solar in 2-3 years.
High bill = more to save. Modelled savings are about RM373/month for a 9.92 kWp system on a RM700 bill, on our RP4 estimate (AFA excluded), starting after TNB commissioning. Efficient inverter ACs add to the saving. Don't wait.
At RM500+, there is a lot to save. A full upgrade (solar system + inverter AC replacement) can reduce your bill significantly; savings depend on your usage and system size. Panel performance is warranted for 30 years.
ROI Comparison: Solar vs Inverter AC Upgrade
| Comparison Factor | Inverter AC Upgrade | Solar System (5.58–7.44 kWp) | Both Together |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | RM 3,000–6,000 | RM 15,999–20,999 | RM 18,999–23,999 |
| Monthly Savings | RM 80–150 | RM 140–230 | RM 220–380 |
| Payback Period | 2–3 years | 6.5–9.5 years | ~5–10 years |
| 25-Year Net Saving | RM 18,000–40,000 | RM 20,600–38,400 | RM 38,600–78,400 (sum of the two columns) |
| Works at Night | Yes | Partial (credits) | Yes + credits |
| Green Loan Eligible | No | Yes | Yes |
Choosing between string and micro inverters for your solar system?
Our in-depth guide covers Malaysian pricing, shading analysis, and brand recommendations.
What About Night-Time AC? (The Honest Answer)
We’ll be direct: solar panels do not help your night-time AC without battery storage. The sun doesn’t shine at night. If you run AC from 11pm to 7am, solar gives you zero direct benefit for those hours.
Your Options for Night-Time AC
Battery Storage (e.g. Huawei LUNA2000)
Max CoverageStore excess daytime solar for overnight use. A home battery such as Huawei LUNA2000 or SolisStorage can run inverter ACs for part of the night. Battery pricing is quoted per system, and it lengthens payback.
Solar ATAP Credit Offset
No Extra CostExport excess daytime solar to the TNB grid for a credit at the Energy Charge (RM0.2703/kWh). The credit reduces night-time charges in the same billing period; unused credit is forfeited at the end of each billing period. Partial offset only — but zero extra hardware cost.
Shift Usage to Daytime
Smart StrategyPre-cool rooms before bedtime using smart AC timers (10am–5pm = solar hours, about RM0.27/kWh in forgone export credit). Run AC from 8pm–11pm using TNB but at lower power since rooms are pre-cooled. Many users reduce overnight consumption this way.
- Direct solar power — about RM0.27/kWh (export credit forgone)
- Peak solar = peak AC demand
- Self-consumption maximized
- No grid draw needed
- Battery storage (Huawei LUNA2000)
- Solar ATAP credit offset
- Pre-cool rooms at 4-6pm
- Inverter AC reduces draw by 50%
Illustrative Savings Scenarios: Malaysian Households
Three illustrative calculations using TNB energy-charge tiers (RM0.27/kWh ≤ 1,500 kWh, RM0.37/kWh above). These are estimates, not Trexon projects.
System Cost & Payback Period 2026
Updated pricing for grid-tied Solar ATAP systems in Malaysia. All prices include installation, TNB approval, SEDA registration, and a 5-year workmanship warranty.
| System Size | Best For | Approx. Cost | Monthly Savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.58 kWp | Small terrace (1-2 ACs) | RM 15,999 | RM 140/mo | ~9.5 years |
| 7.44 kWp | Medium terrace (2-3 ACs) | RM 17,999 | RM 230/mo | ~6.5 years |
| 8.06 kWp | Semi-D (3-4 ACs)Recommended | RM 21,499 | RM 280/mo | ~6.4 years |
| 9.92 kWp | Semi-D / Bungalow (4-5 ACs) | RM 23,999 | RM 370/mo | ~5.4 years |
| 16.12 kWp | Large Bungalow (6-8 ACs) | RM 31,999 | RM 780/mo | ~3.4 years |
Financing Options
Every route starts with the RM2,000 booking. You can then pay outright, by card with a 0% instalment plan of up to 24 months, through OKAPI rent-to-own, or with a loan from your own bank — for example Maybank Solar PV Financing (up to RM100,000, up to 10 years, floating rate; check the bank's current terms).
Compare Bank Loan OptionsWant to know which inverter type gives better ROI for Malaysian homes?
Full breakdown: string vs micro, pricing, shading analysis, brand guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
Find Out Exactly How Much Your ACs Are Costing You
Use our free solar calculator to get an instant estimate, or speak to our solar engineers for a site-specific recommendation. We’ll tell you exactly which solar system size fits your AC load.
SEDA-registered installer • Serving Klang Valley, Selangor, KL, Penang & Johor
